Raffle at seminar at HCC provides scholarships for two

At a recent seminar at Hagerstown Community College, two local high school students were chosen to receive a $500 scholarship each for the college of their choice.

Darlene Gladhill, of Hancock, and Kayla Kline, of Smithsburg, were chosen from a raffle drawing for 120 students who attended the "Paying for College" seminar.

The seminar, sponsored by The Sallie Mae Fund and HCC, was designed to give students information to help them plan and pay for college.

According to Carolyn Cox, HCC's director of financial aid, many who attended the seminar will be first generation college students.

"The concept of choosing a college and paying for it can be overwhelming," Cox said. "Hopefully, the students will walk away from this seminar with a better understanding of the process and resources available, as well as the confidence to get started."

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During the seminar, Matt Yancy, of The Sallie Mae Fund, reviewed the basic steps for preparing for college, including timelines, college research, the application process, financial aid options and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Dan Bock, HCC's assistant director of admissions, records and registration, talked about HCC's programs of study, admissions process and financial aid opportunities including the ESSENCE Program, which enables high school students to take college classes at half the cost of tuition.

He also talked about the Opportunity Fund which provides scholarship money to some middle-income students.

Cox talked about financial aid opportunities at HCC. She also offered them assistance in filling out the FAFSA, regardless of the school they choose.

The $500 scholarships are funded by The Sallie Mae Fund and are given directly to the school of choice, upon admission of the student.